Fluid Fitting Alignment Stops for Over-Torque-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid fittings, such as flareless fittings, face challenges in quickly determining if a sufficient connection has been made due to tolerance stack-ups and require extended processes using torque wrenches.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating corresponding stops and markings on the nut and union, which engage and align to provide tactile and visual indications of a secure connection, preventing over-torque and ensuring proper alignment without the need for a torque wrench.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flareless fittings are used without stops or markings, then the connection process requires torque wrenches and extended verification processes, but the device complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual markings (different colors or patterns) on the nut and union components that align or become visible when proper connection is achieved. This allows operators to quickly verify connection status through visual inspection rather than requiring torque wrenches or complex measurement tools, thereby improving measurement precision while adding minimal complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting components include built-in stops and markings that automatically indicate when proper connection is achieved. The stops physically prevent over-tightening, and the markings self-verify connection status without requiring external tools or complex verification processes, enabling the system to self-verify its own connection state
2Reliability
If torque wrenches are used to ensure sufficient connection, then connection reliability improves, but the operation time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-designed stops on the nut and union that are positioned to engage at the exact point where sufficient connection is achieved. This preliminary positioning of stops ensures that proper connection is automatically established during the tightening process, eliminating the need for post-tightening verification with torque wrenches and reducing overall connection time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The visual markings on the components provide immediate feedback during the connection process. As the nut is tightened, the markings rotate and eventually align or become visible in a specific pattern that indicates proper connection has been achieved, allowing operators to stop tightening at the correct point without requiring torque wrenches, thereby reducing time while ensuring reliability
3Ease of operation
If visual markings are added to indicate connection status, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual markings such as colored bands, patterns, or contrast-colored elements that are applied to the nut and union components. These markings are designed to align or become visible when proper connection is achieved, providing intuitive visual feedback to operators. The markings can be applied through standard manufacturing processes like anodizing, painting, or embossing, adding minimal manufacturing complexity while dramatically improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The visual markings are segmented into discrete elements (such as multiple lines, segments, or modular patterns) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows the markings to be added through simple processes and enables the markings to clearly indicate connection status through their relative positions or alignment, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid fitting includes a nut, a sleeve, and a union. The union and the nut may include corresponding stops and corresponding markings. Corresponding stops and corresponding marking may engage with each other when the nut is sufficiently connected with the union. A method of connecting a fitting includes connecting a sleeve of the fitting with a nut of the fitting, connecting the nut with a union, rotating at least one of the nut and the union until a stop of the nut engages a stop of the union, restricting over torque via the stop of the nut and the stop of the union, and verifying a sufficient connection if first markings of the nut align with second markings of the union.